Man who attacked Las Vegas judge pleads not guilty, citing mental illness

LAS VEGAS (CN) — The man who attacked a Las Vegas judge while she presided over her courtroom pleaded not guilty to attempted murder and battery of a person over 60 on Thursday. His legal defense points to severe mental health challenges as the underlying cause of his actions.

Deobra Delone Redden faces charges that could lead to a lengthy prison sentence after, at a Jan. 3 sentencing for an attempted battery charge, he leapt over a courtroom desk, ran and catapulted his body at Clark County District Court Judge Mary Kay Holthus, then pulled her to the floor by her hair.

Redden, 31, arrived in court on Thursday wearing just a medical mask, a security downgrade from his usual heavily shackled presentation and spit hood. A U.S. marshal sat next to him in the courtroom.

Carl Arnold, Redden's attorney, said his client's diagnosis of profound paranoid schizophrenia was known to his family, including his foster mother.

"Deobra was not medicated at the time, significantly worsening his mental state and leading to the regrettable attack," Arnold said to the press. He said Redden's untreated mental state left him oblivious to the nature and consequences of his actions.

Following the attack, Redden told authorities he intended to kill Judge Holthus, according to numerous news reports.

He told his foster mother, Karen Springer, that his only post-attack memory was of the physical restraint by courtroom security and staff, among them Michael Lasso, who recently was commended by the Las Vegas City Council for his role in stopping the assault.

Springer said Redden has struggled with schizophrenia and his behavior notably improves with proper medication.

Arnold also pointed out the stark contrast between the aggressive behavior displayed during the assault and the composed, gentle individual he knows, thanks to treatment.

In addition to the 30 months in prison Redden potentially faces for the initial battery charge — the subject of the Jan. 3 hearing — Redden faces up to 48 months if convicted of attacking the judge. He is currently being held in Nevada's High Desert State Prison.

Trial is scheduled to begin April 29.

Follow @MarkHebert100

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